Category: MASH United

Each one of us has been given a specific purpose for our lives. In the eyes of our Lord, who we become really matters. What we do for Him has eternal impact on others. He likes that. As husbands and fathers, we often forget that He cares about our wives and children in the same way. Their relationship with Him really matters. The significant lives they lead will not only bode well for them when they face Him, but they will impact many for the kingdom of God. You, as a husband and father, have been placed in the very important position of directing and affecting the outcome of their lives through your influential office and the power of the Holy Spirit. You have the power to help create the atmosphere that gives them the freedom to become all they can be in Christ. You can love your wife as Christ loved the church, laying down your life for her. You can bless her comings and goings as He would, so that she understands her value. As you seek the Lord on behalf of your children, you can create favorable influences on them to guide them in the paths the Lord has determined. You can lovingly walk with them until they have the spiritual power to walk with the Lord themselves. You have the office! You have the power through the Holy Spirit! You have the favor of God because you are in line with His heart and His Word. Time to get to it! Let’s talk more! Jim Corbett

As God continues to reveal your shortcomings, be of good cheer! God is doing the wonderful work in you that He promised so you can fulfill your roles as husband and father. A while back, you didn't even know those things were part of you, did you? I used to see everything I wasn't as a totally negative experience - probably my pride as much as anything else. Now, as the Lord gives me continual reminders of just exactly who I am and how far I have to go to be like Jesus, I am more able to give myself over to Him, knowing only He can change me and that He wholeheartedly desires to do so. My appreciation of Him has increased as He also builds the faith in me to believe that He really is Who He says He is. What chance would my family have if I chose not to respond to the changes the Holy Spirit is always ready to do in me? Where would we be if God never exposed me for who I really am? Probably sitting comfortably in some church pew with no clue as to the rude awakening in store for me down the road. Have you seen any shortcomings lately? Let's talk more! Jim Corbett

In my communication with adults and children, one of the most common issues is the fact that people don't feel loved. In most cases, demonstrations of love were never given in childhood. Either their fathers never took the time to find the kind of actions that allowed their children to feel loved, or other things took priority over their child's needs. Men, at every opportunity, and as often as you can with all that's in you, find a way to tell your wife and your children how valuable they are and how much you love them. Go out of your way to express your feelings and back them up with actions that confirm your words. If they learn nothing else from you, let it be confirmed in their hearts that they are loved - not only by God, but by you. It will go a long way in allowing them to navigate life's perils as they grow. Start now and stop only when you are called home. Let's talk more! Jim Corbett

In the last days, the Bible says men's hearts will fail them for fear. It also says men will cry out to the mountains and rocks to fall on them and hide them from the face of Almighty God. In those times, it is said that whatever has been your god will be that which is used to destroy you. If you have served pride all your life, then the pride that will not allow you to bend your knee to Jesus will destroy you. If hatred and anger are your gods, then cursing God Himself for the distress He is allowing will be a natural outflow from that kind of heart, etc., etc. It is amazing to me how people interpret strong warnings about the end times, which I believe are just around the corner. Instead of accepting and heeding them as the love warnings they are, people tire of them and continue to serve the gods they have served throughout their lives. It's almost as if a purposeful challenge is being sent back to God - a challenge for Him to actually prove that the things He promised in His Word will happen. No one can conceive that a loving God would actually allow these things to occur. Believe God. Please, believe God. His endtime scenario is a portrayal of real people very much like you and me, and they didn't heed the strong warnings that were given a short time before the end. They were strong warnings very much like those we hear today, in times very much like these, to people very much like us. What changes do you need to make so your family is prepared for the challenges that are on the horizon? How willing are you to make them? Let's talk more! Jim Corbett

There is a familiar story about an individual who belonged to a small church. Several years previously, he experienced a dramatic conversion to Jesus Christ and had followed Him diligently ever since.

One day, he enthusiastically approached the pastor to inquire how he might best serve in the fledgling congregation. The only open position was that of a greeter, which he joyfully accepted.

Every Sunday without fail for many years, this man greeted everyone who came to the church for services. The congregation grew, due in part to the hearty, loving welcome people received as visitors. This man's ministry made a difference at this church.

After a time, the man - now in charge of many greeters - grew disillusioned with his position, and wanted what he considered a more important position in the church. When he was asked to remain as the head greeter, he felt the church did not really appreciate him, so he left. Eventually he became more disillusioned, and fell away from the Lord.

The first love qualities of service, unashamed love, and child-like enthusiasm are the qualities of Jesus. When we lose them, we lose real life. Are you comfortable with being a servant to your wife? Do you consider it a privilege that you are supposed to care more about the significance of your children's lives than your own vision? If your answer is "no" on either question, you might want to take it up with the Lord!

Let's talk more!

Jim Corbett